How to Spend Memorial Day Weekend in Athens

The long-awaited opening of The Union happens Memorial Day weekend. Photo courtesy of The Union Bar & Grill.

The weather is finally starting to warm up and there’s an extra day at the end of your weekend – so, what are you going to do over Memorial Day? Road trip to Athens County for an exciting few days full of great food, entertainment and one-of-a-kind activities for everyone. The worst part about your weekend will be packing up to leave!

For the Romantic: Book a night at one of Athens’ cozy cabins or bed & breakfasts for an only-in-Athens experience. Head to Uptown Athens or Nelsonville for shopping and a delicious meal, then relax in the hot tub, star-gaze or just enjoy a peaceful evening. Many of the cabins, cottages and B&B’s are surrounded by acres of beautiful land and walking trails. Athens makes for the perfect couples getaway!

For the Music Fan: No matter which genre is your jam, Athens has a band for you and a cool venue to host a show. One of Athens’ most beloved music venues, The Union, which has been closed since a fire severely damaged the building the fall of 2014, is celebrating its grand re-opening by hosting a four-night Memorial Day event. Rock out to multiple bands each night, then crash at one of our local hotels to prepare for the next day’s line-up!

For the Artist: If rocking out all weekend isn’t in the cards, how about checking out a different form of art? The Dairy Barn is opening a new quilting exhibition, Mastery: Sustaining Momentum, on May 27 that will feature 12 quilting masters from around the globe that have created bold, contemporary quilts. Within walking distance from the Dairy Barn are hiking trails at The Ridges, a famous mini golf course, where you putt for a good cause, and The Ohio University Inn.

For the Adventurer: Already hiked the trails in Athens? Memorial Day weekend is your chance to take a family trip to Smoke Rise Ranch Resort. One of the most popular working cattle ranches in Ohio, Smoke Rise Ranch has a weekend full of activities for the entire family! This all-inclusive resort offers horseback riding and wrangling, campfires, live music and more. There are even separate adult and children activities, so Mom and Dad can get an afternoon alone.

How are you spending the long weekend in Athens? Share your photos with us using #AthensOhio!